Harvard Law School TOEFL Score Requirement

Harvard Law School is considered among the best law schools for intake of international students. In order to be admitted to Harvard Law School, prospective students are required to be proficient in English which is one of the basic requirements for attaining success in an academic setting. The TOEFL test scores are usually provided by individuals to demonstrate that they can succeed in both written and spoken academic relevant communication. 

In this blog, we'll discuss the TOEFL requirements for admission to Harvard Law School and help you prepare for the test by suggesting a few tips which can be incorporated into your preparation.

Harvard Law School’s TOEFL Score Requirement

Harvard Law School has a reputation for excellence in academics  for which students are required to read legal books, participate in conversations, and communicate written and verbal ideas effectively. The TOEFL test measures the ability of non native English speakers, in particular the international students who do not use English as a first language to read and comprehend texts in an academic setting. 

Below is the table which suggests the minimum TOEFL Score Requirement at Harvard Law School.

Even though Harvard Law School considers all valid TOEFL results and focuses on the most recent ones, they do not accept my Best Scores for TOEFL exam. Therefore, it is ideal for a candidate to first be aware of the deadline of the application and start preparing for the TOEFL exam in advance. This will build confidence and one would be self-assured as they will become familiar with the TOEFL exam structure.

What if I do not get the Required TOEFL Score for Harvard Law School?

At Harvard Law School, even if the TOEFL score is not met, they will still review the application. However, it is required that you meet the minimum language proficiency threshold so that your chances of getting the admission increases. Therefore, check the deadline at first before preparing so that you have enough time to retake the test if needed. After receiving the score, you can arrange for ETS to have your new score report sent to Harvard Law School as soon as it is available. 

In terms of alternative English Proficiency Test Scores, Harvard Law School does not accept IELTS band scores instead of TOEFL. Therefore, it is imperative for candidates to check with the accepted tests before you appear for it. This would provide clarity to individuals and also saves time in terms of preparation and taking the test. 

It must be noted that at Harvard Law School, waivers are very rarely granted, and are subject to the sole discretion of the Harvard Law School Graduate Program, whose decision is final. However, one can request a TOEFL waiver if you have had at least two consecutive years of full-time university education conducted entirely in English. If you have not completed at least two consecutive years of full-time university education conducted entirely in English, your request for a TOEFL waiver will be automatically denied. Therefore, you must check if you are eligible to apply for the same.

Tips For Preparing The TOEFL Exam

In order to achieve the desired scores, one must focus on the strategies to be used in the TOEFL exam while attempting to answer the prompt. Below are some of the tips which can be incorporated while preparing for the TOEFL exam. 

• Understand the test format and also familiarise yourself with the different sections of the TOEFL exam such as Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. This will help you do a targeted study for individual sections, making you prepare on the actual day of the exam. 
• It is necessary to practice regularly and also attempt full-length TOEFL practice tests in order to be accustomed with the time and stress. Once you attempt the test, remember to analyse the results to determine which areas are better to work on. 
• Try to expand your vocabulary and understand that reading different types of English academic texts will boost your vocabulary. Additionally, emphasise the context and try to utilize them in your writing and speaking. 
• To increase your listening comprehension aimed at the Listening section, try to listen to podcasts, academic lectures, or talk with people speaking English. Focus on the various accents, tones, and delivery in speeches to be aware of the difference. 
• Dedicate some time every day to speaking English. Record your responses to TOEFL speaking items and judge your fluency, clarity, and coherence in speech. 
• To do well in the writing section, write on different topics in essays, and ensure that you attend to the aspects of structure, grammar and coherence.

With regular practice and a realistic goal in mind, you will be able to improve the needed skills and ace the TOEFL exam.